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Our desert home of Arizona is host to many magical wedding destinations, but few can compare to the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona.
Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, you cannot help but feel a kind of reverence when you gaze upon the soaring red rock canyons, sandstone spires, and sienna cliffs. The sky is ablaze with hues of reds, pinks, and purples at sunset, helping to create a romantic setting most never forget. It is a widely held belief that there is a spiritual energy found in Sedona that brings inspiration and renewal.
“Where better to begin the union of two people in marriage than the sacred red rock country of Sedona,” reflects Janelle Sparkman of Sedona Golf Resort. “In Sedona you can expose yourself to spiritual practices, browse local art galleries and play golf all in the same day.”
The diversity available here is certainly one of many factors that draws couples here to celebrate their weddings year-round. Wedding venue options range from country-style inns to lavish European-influenced surroundings.
L’Auberge de Sedona, set on eleven lush acres along Oak Creek, is a luxury resort that consistently receives accolades from every major travel and leisure magazine in the nation. Its catering team, spa offerings and lavish accommodations make this destination a favorite among travelers year-round.
You can certainly have your cake and eat it too in Sedona. While the unusual is a draw for many, golf and outdoor recreation are perennial favorites here as well. Sedona Golf Resort offers some of the most breathtaking views of any course you’ll find in Arizona. Ceremonies on the meticulously maintained course are not at all unusual, while an on-site restaurant and ballroom offer indoor venues with that spectacular red rock view we love.
More adventuresome couples may choose to transport their guests to a remote location via jeep and then return to one of the area’s many restaurants or resorts for the reception.
Particularly lovely is Agave of Sedona, 3,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor entertaining space, where the awe-inspiring view from the terrace will bring tears to your eyes. The venue is doubly delicious, as it features exclusive catering by Rosalie’s of Sedona. Rosalie’s can plan every aspect of your wedding and reception, regardless of location, from transportation to the perfect wedding cake--even securing guest accommodations.
In the Sedona area, the sky is literally and figuratively the limit when choosing how and where to marry. How about exchanging vows while floating high above the panoramic vistas in a hot air balloon? You can pledge your love from a deck overlooking Oak Creek Canyon, on horseback, along a meandering stream, or in any number of locations with extraordinary views of red rocks and ponderosa pines, and the soothing sounds of waterfalls nearby.
Couples are not limited in their ability to celebrate in natural settings, and the local event planners are experienced in staging intimate or elaborate affairs nestled among the pines, on cliffs with soaring views, or in unforgettable canyons. We mustn’t forget that Sedona is more than a tourist mecca, however, and the town has noise ordinances and measures in place to safeguard the environment here.
While Sedona is a town of approximately 11,000 people, its popularity as a wedding destination has brought talented event professionals here as well. Sedona’s wedding professionals are on par with those found in larger cities across the country in terms of creativity and scope of work. Although the area possesses its own charm that may lend itself to “thinking outside the box,” those who seek lavish settings and over-the-top catering will not be disappointed.
Many of the premier vendors in Sedona honed their skills in larger metropolitan areas and subsequently relocated to share their talents with brides and grooms who choose to celebrate here. We are continually told that the Sedona environment tends to bring out the best in creativity and positive attitude.
The Sedona Wedding Professionals Association (www. sedonaweddingpa.com) is a valuable resource for identifying vendors that will meet the needs of couples seeking to wed and honeymoon in this inspiring destination.The town itself offers a charming “old world” village featuring lovely courtyards, a quaint adobe chapel with leather pews and a beautiful wall mural as well as a large terrace with red rock views.
There is plenty for friends and family to do while in Sedona for the special occasion. Hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours are all options. The town is filled with enough boutiques, galleries and dining options to satisfy any palate.
Jeep tours are among the more popular activities, while golfing and spa days also rank quite high for Sedona visitors. The day after the wedding, many couples arrange guided hikes, bi-plane tours and balloon rides for their guests. A trek to the Grand Canyon, which is just two hours away from Sedona, is an ideal excursion.
Whether your interest is spiritual enlightenment, fantastic photography, world-class leisure, superb dining, or “all of the above,” Sedona offers what you’re looking for in a wedding and reception destination.
Photograph:
Sedona Bride
Floral, Décor, Set Stylist:
Events by Show Stoppers
Videography:
Ciné Vérité Films
Gown:
Pour Moi
Tuxedo:
Mr. Formal
Jewelry:
Favorite Clothing Co.
Tables, chairs, linens, tableware:
Tri-Rentals Event Specialists
Make-up:
Liz Margin
Hair Stylist:
Patricia Vega
Location:
L’Auberge de Sedona
Make-up:
Megan and Andrew
The Agency Arizona |
